Benchmark June 2024
Editorial
Geny Caloisi
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E-mail: gcaloisi@westernbusiness.media
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Paul Amura
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Matt Jarvis
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Tracey Cole
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7 Voting for the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2024 is now open
Benchmark seeks your input to determine the deserving winners among a pool of outstanding products and companies.
8 The Security Event 2024: A Review of Industry Growth and Innovation
The palpable excitement surrounding TSE 2024 was evident from the outset.
10 Webeye and M2M Services
Forge Strategic Relationship M2M excited to join forces with Webeye in reshaping the security landscape.
14 IDIS Video Solution at Europe’s Largest Casino Development
The chosen solution encompassed an end-to-end video surveillance system.
16 News
HID, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, announces its 2024 State of the Security Industry Report
16 Empowering Responsible AI: A Conversation with i-PRO’s Gerard Figols
The discourse is shifting in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
18 Unveiling the Power of Detail with Hikvision
It is fundamentally important to discern the smallest details in security monitoring due to their importance in achieving broader objectives.
21 Hanwha Vision launches AI Public View Monitors
Hanwha Vision has launched AI Public View Monitors (AI PVMs) which bring accurate object detection and classification to its leading range of PVMs.
SECURITY TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATORS
June 2024
After the very successful Security Event (TSE2024), it is clear that the industry is growing and expanding. This year marks the show’s fifth edition. From April 30 to May 2, 2024, NEC Birmingham hosted the Safety & Security Event Series, which included the Security Event, the Health & Safety Event, the Fire Safety Event, and the Workplace Event. The event attracted 49,576 professionals from diverse sectors across the four shows, eager to discover the latest products and solutions from 1076 exhibitors.
Long queues marked the first and second days to get badges, which is not surprising considering that the number of visitors has increased more than fourfold since 2023, which had 11,000 visitors.
To get a flavour of what it was like, watch a summary of TSE 2024 here.
The next TSE will be April 8-10, 2025. Already 97% of exhibitors re-booked, representing a retention rate of 87%.
Benchmark Innovation Awards 2024 voting is now open
The awards finalists show a diversity of contenders worthy of recognition. Familiar brands as well as new companies, have emerged as finalists in the eight categories of the BIA 2024. These include video management software, surveillance CCTV, visitors’ management, alarm/detection systems, analytics and software, cloud and SaaS solutions, network and connectivity, and the prestigious Innovator Company of the Year.
This breadth of participation underscores the dynamic nature of the security sector and the diverse range of challenges being addressed.
The sheer number of finalists across these categories speaks to the industry’s robust competition and the proliferation of innovative solutions to address evolving security needs.
From cutting-edge AI-powered surveillance systems to sophisticated cloud-based security platforms, the finalists combine technology and security expertise to deliver unparalleled protection and peace of mind. All that is needed now is your vote to select the winner in each category.
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Voting for the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2024 is now open
Benchmark seeks your input to determine the deserving winners among a pool of outstanding products and companies. These awards spotlight organisations at the forefront of the security sector, tackling specific challenges within a dynamic and evolving landscape.
The winners will be determined exclusively by your votes.
Technological advancements are transforming many industries, and this is particularly true in the security sector. Innovations like AI, cloud solutions, hybrid cameras, and novel networking approaches in security installations and video technologies offer profound insights and bridge previously perceived gaps. It is crucial to recognise such advancements with accolades.
If you’ve encountered solutions or products that excel in providing rich insights, enhancing
surveillance, simplifying user interfaces, or effectively bridging gaps in security challenges, we urge you to nominate them. Reflect on your experiences with these products and consider what sets them apart.
Voting for the winners of the Benchmark Innovations Awards 2024 is now open! –PLACE YOUR VOTES HERE
Stay engaged and cast your votes. The recipients of the Benchmark Innovation Awards will be unveiled on October 7th, celebrating excellence and innovation in the security industry.
The Security Event 2024: A Review of Industry Growth and Innovation
The Security Event (TSE) 2024, held as part of the Safety & Security Event Series at NEC Birmingham from April 30 to May 2, 2024, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its fifth edition. This annual gathering has become a cornerstone event for professionals across various sectors, encompassing security, safety, fire, and workplace solutions.
With a 42,800 square meters of exhibition space and boasting 1076 exhibitors, the combined shows attracted an impressive crowd of 49,576 attendees. This substantial increase from the previous year’s 11,000 visitors underscores the event’s growing importance within the industry.
The palpable excitement surrounding TSE 2024 was evident from the outset, with long queues forming on the first and second days as eager attendees awaited their badges.
Access Control Executive Brief Forum TSE
The Access Control Executive Brief Forum at the Security Event 2024 in Birmingham, led by Lee Odess, offered a comprehensive overview of the critical role access control plays in ensuring security across various vertical markets. The discussions were enlightening and highly relevant, particularly in the commercial real estate sector.
One of the key takeaways from the forum, on the talk about ‘Access Control for Real Estate Vertical’ was the emphasis on collaboration among access control providers to drive market expansion.
Josef Sachta from Sharry set the tone by highlighting the need for collective effort in advancing access control solutions. Sharry’s B2B Workplace Experience Platform, centred around Digital Employee Badges, showcased a forward-thinking approach to redefining the workplace experience through seamless integrations and mobile access capabilities.
Barox and the power of partnership
Visitors could find barox at stand number 5/ P90 at TSE 2024. In there, besides a glass of refreshing beer, visitors could see first-hand the ease and depth of compatibility that barox provides to a wide range of 3rd party VMS/PSIM control systems – via a range of integration plugins, including those for Milestone, Genetec, and Genesys by ISM.
Premiering at the show was barox’s RY-LGSO38-10 19 10Gb Ethernet switch, featuring 10 x 10Gb port capability with a substantial 200Gb backplane, DMS, robust security features, and dynamic routing. The
Contributions from Robert Lydic of WaveLynx and Troy Johnson from HID also underscored the importance of interoperability and security in access control solutions. Both companies offered insights into how their technologies enable
Barox and the power of partnership
Vicon’s stand at the Security Event was sometimes busy and mysteriously empty, and we have discovered why. The company was showcasing its latest product innovation design in a secluded room at the NEC Birmingham. Unfortunately, this is still under embargo, so we can’t tell you more about it, but I can confirm that it will provide installers and users with a very sleek solution.
Vicon’s Anavio solution, which provides seamless security management, was new at the stand. Users will no longer have to juggle between separate security systems. Anavio consolidates access control, video monitoring, and intercom functionalities into
Webeye and M2M Services
Forge Strategic Relationship
Webeye and M2M Services have teamed up to bring a wave of transformation to the UK security industry. This collaboration, strategically timed to address the challenges posed by the imminent shutdown of PSTN and the closure of BT Redcare services, promises to deliver cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.
Chris Coughlin, Webeye’s Commercial Director — Software & Services, explains: “M2M Services have been looking for a company to team up with in the UK for many years. However, with so many incumbent suppliers in the UK Market, there was no desire from installers to introduce another provider into the fray.”
Dimitar Petrov – Director of Sales at M2M Services adds: “We’re excited to join forces with Webeye in reshaping the security landscape. Together, we’re introducing our Dual-Path/Dual-SIM MQ and MX Series alarm communicators, setting a new standard of reliability and compliance.”
With Webeye’s ARC Partner Network and established Alarm Monitoring Platform, we’re ready to meet the challenges ahead, providing
Zitko Group announces Irish Expansion
Zitko Group, a talent solutions provider in the fire and security industry, is extending its reach into Ireland, underscoring its commitment to growth and service excellence.
With the launch of Zitko Group (Ireland) Ltd, the company aims to meet the region’s rising demand by offering its expertise and innovative solutions to new and existing clients.
With Managing Consultant Aaron McDonald at the helm, this expansion aligns with Zitko‘s broader mission to expand globally while maintaining its focus on delivering exceptional service.
CEO and Founder George Zitko expressed enthusiasm for this new phase of growth, citing the opening of a Dublin office as a pivotal moment for the company. With a wealth of experience and a dedication to Read the full article here
Hochiki Europe Nominated for Fire Safety Project of the Year Award
Hochiki Europe, a provider of fire detection and life safety solutions, is thrilled to announce its nomination as a finalist for the Fire Safety Project of the Year Award at the esteemed Fire Safety Matters (FSM) Awards 2024.
This distinguished accolade acknowledges exceptional achievements in fire safety design, implementation, and activation. Hochiki’s nomination stems from its collaboration with Southern Fire Alarms on the prestigious Livingstone Academy project in Bournemouth, a cutting-edge educational establishment inaugurated in September 2023.
Read the full article here
IDIS Video Solution at Europe’s Largest Casino
The GoldenEye Hotel and Resort, located in Svilengrad, Bulgaria, is a beacon of luxury and entertainment, boasting the title of Europe’s largest casino development. Owned and operated by BC Industries, this expansive complex offers many amenities, including a hotel, gaming rooms, spa facilities, upscale dining options, and retail outlets.
With the grandeur and scale of the GoldenEye Hotel and Resort comes the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of its guests and facilities. BC Industries recognised the need for a robust surveillance system to provide 24/7 monitoring, high-definition video capture, and seamless integration with other operational systems. Particularly critical was the requirement for comprehensive visibility over gaming tables and public areas within the casino, necessitating a surveillance solution that could meet the demands of this dynamic environment.
After careful consideration, BC Industries opted for IDIS video technology, which is renowned for its reliability, scalability, and advanced features. The project was entrusted
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Empowering Responsible AI: A Conversation with i-PRO’s Gerard Figols
IThe discourse is shifting in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), where innovation converges with responsibility. No longer is AI merely a buzzword or a realm of technological prowess; it’s evident that it needs to evolve into a domain of ethical considerations and conscientious decision-making. At the forefront of this evolution stands i-PRO Read the full article here
n a candid interview with Gerard Figols, Senior Vice President of i-PRO and President at i-PRO EMEA and APAC, we delved into the company’s philosophy and approach towards responsible AI. Figols articulated i-PRO’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and implementation of ethical principles within AI, encapsulating its ethos in seven fundamental principles.
“At i-PRO, we recognise that AI is not a monolithic entity but a dynamic force
KIT VAULT
Unveiling the Power of Detail with Hikvision
It is fundamentally important to discern the smallest details in security monitoring due to their importance in achieving broader objectives. This sentiment holds true in the context of surveillance systems, where capturing intricate details can be pivotal in achieving security objectives. Hikvision has recently introduced an enhanced version of its DeepinView Fisheye camera, promising improved performance and unrivalled clarity.
Central to the DeepinView Fisheye camera’s appeal is its remarkable clarity, achieved through a combination of highresolution imaging and an innovative pixel ratio. While conventional fisheye cameras typically exhibit a pixel ratio of 4:3, resulting in underutilisation of pixel capacity and image distortion. In these cameras, a ‘12MP’ resolution – for example, 4000 x 3000 pixels
– only actually uses 3000 x 3000 pixels. In this case, there would only be 9 MP as an ‘effective pixel’ count.
Hikvision shifts this paradigm with a 1:1 pixel ratio. This breakthrough translates to a 36% increase in effective pixels, ensuring unparalleled image clarity and usability.
“When it comes to details, the more pixels you can have on your side, the better”, says
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Ajax Battery-Operated Security Solution
Ajax’s battery-operated security solution offers comprehensive protection and innovative features to ensure peace of mind for users and security companies, even with no power supply.
Consider some possible scenarios such as RVs, caravans, yachts, or even deserted residences—each has vulnerable yet often overlooked security considerations. With its suite of battery-operated security solutions, Ajax offers solutions against intrusions, fires, floods, and environmental anomalies in these atypical settings.
Synectics’ Latest Synergy Software Released
Synectics, a developer of advanced security and surveillance systems, has announced its latest software
AuditBoard unveils new AI Capabilities
AuditBoard, a cloud-based platform specialising in audit, risk, compliance, and ESG management, has announced the general availability of its robust artificial intelligence capabilities. Integrated within the company’s acclaimed connected risk platform, AuditBoard AI incorporates advanced technologies such as generative AI to support audit, risk, infosec, and ESG teams in optimising their workflows while maintaining enterprise-level security and privacy standards.
The deployment of AI presents a significant opportunity for risk management teams to enhance data connectivity across various
release, Synergy. The focal points of this update centre around improved incident management and enhanced team collaboration. Key features include a new mobile application, simplified web-based system access, and remote camera-sharing capabilities.
The cornerstone of the Synergy update lies in its tools for streamlined incident management and bolstered collaboration among security teams. The new mobile application extends security management beyond the traditional confines of the control room, allowing users to efficiently assign and schedule tasks. This functionality facilitates routine security checks along patrol routes and enables swift responses to Synergy alerts. Noteworthy is the customisable on-screen guidance feature, designed to ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures with ease and efficiency.
Hanwha Vision launches AI Public View Monitors
The new 27 and 32-inch models, SMT3231PV and SMT-2731PV, are well-suited to a range of applications across retail including store entrances, shopping aisles, and self-checkouts. The AI PVMs are designed to deter criminal activity and reduce loss prevention with visible surveillance while providing marketing opportunities via highdefinition screens.
The AI PVM range has intelligent video analytics that provide accurate object detection and classification through deep
Hanwha Vision has launched AI Public View Monitors (AI PVMs) which bring accurate object detection and classification to its leading range of PVMs for enhanced retail operations.
learning. Loitering and line-crossing detection can alert operators to people detected in a specific area for a set amount of time, or if they cross a virtual line, helping to protect stockrooms and offices. AI reduces false
Read the full article here
360 Vision Technology highlights the importance of partnerships and intelligent integration
360 Vision Technology will participate in a technology partners’ collaboration at The Security Event (TSE) from April 30 to May 2, 2024, at NEC Birmingham.
At stand 5/P75 & 5/P80, 360 Vision will join a selection of technology partners displaying a ‘not to be missed’ immersive
Read the full article here
New senior leadership for Paxton to help global growth
International security technology developer Paxton has recently appointed new senior
leadership roles to support their rapid global expansion, from company culture, finance function, to manufacturing.
Adam Stroud, Paxton’s CEO, said: “I am pleased to appoint Nicola, Alex, and Blair, into their new senior management roles. Each of them brings a high level of knowledge,
Paxton’s Net2 Access Control to control energy spend
Paxton provides access control systems that have smart features to help reduce building energy consumption. This not only has a positive impact on the environment but also helps businesses save money.
Paxton’s Net2 is a PC-based access control system that is ideal for granting or restricting access to a building. The system comes with functionality that provide a simple way to save energy.
Use Triggers and Actions to Enable Automated Events
Triggers and Actions is a powerful feature offered by Net2. It is a series of rules that enable site activities and can support lower energy consumption when implemented correctly.
Steve Woodbridge, Paxton’s Global Training Manager, explains: “Facility managers can set an event within Net2 software to automatically switch off appliances. By utilising the Triggers
Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, has recently announced that the energy price cap will be increased by 5% starting from the start of this year. Many appliances still use energy when on standby mode or being left on accidentally. This phantom energy can contribute to around 30% of the average energy bill.
and Actions feature, lights or heating can be set to turn off when the last person leaves the building. This avoids appliances being left on after working hours and saves energy.”
Manage Machines with Energy Saving Readers
The Net2 Proximity Energy Saving Reader is another useful energy saving option. It can act like a power switch, to help save energy
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